U.S. Senator James Lankford will testify Wednesday before the House Appropriations Committee in support of his bipartisan Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, which would prevent government shutdowns while requiring Congress to remain in Washington until annual spending bills are completed.
The hearing, titled Funding Lapses: Analyzing Shutdown Reform, marks the House Appropriations Committee’s first full committee oversight hearing since 2008.
Lankford introduced the legislation with U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House by Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington of Texas and Congressman Jimmy Panetta of California.
Under the proposal, a lapse in government funding would trigger an automatic continuing resolution in 14-day increments based on the previous year’s spending levels. During that time, lawmakers would face restrictions on official travel and would be required to remain in Washington until appropriations bills are approved.
Lankford’s office said the legislation is backed by more than 30 organizations representing federal employees, labor unions, veterans groups, taxpayer advocates and good government organizations. The bill also has bipartisan support from members of the U.S. Senate, including Oklahoma Senator Alan Armstrong.
